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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• CJTF-OIR Reconsolidates assets in shift to Advise, Assist, Enable Posture CENTCOM 27 Oct 2021 -- Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve continues to transition from a tactical combat role into one that meets the advise, assist, and enable mission needs for the Government of Iraq and partner forces in Syria.
• Blinken Orders Review of US Withdrawal From Afghanistan VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that he had ordered a full-scale review of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in August as the U.S. ended its two-decade fight against terrorism there.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DNI Releases Appropriated Budget Figure for 2021 National Intelligence Program Director of National Intelligence 27 Oct 2021 -- The Congress appropriated an aggregate amount of $60.8 billion to the National Intelligence Program (NIP) for Fiscal Year 2021.
• Department of Defense Releases 2021 Military Intelligence Program Budget DoD 27 Oct 2021 -- The Department of Defense released today the Military Intelligence Program (MIP) appropriated top line budget for FY 2021. The total MIP budget, which included both the base budget and Overseas Contingency Operations appropriations, was $23.3 billion and is aligned to support the National Defense Strategy.
• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 27 Oct 2021
• Top US General Calls China's Hypersonic Weapon Test 'Very Close' to Sputnik Moment VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- The top U.S. military officer has confirmed reports that China tested a hypersonic weapons system, calling the test a "very concerning" development reminiscent of when Russia launched the world's first artificial satellite in the 1950s.
• NSWC Dahlgren Thrusts Hypersonic Weapons Advancement into the Forefront US Navy 27 Oct 2021 -- Traveling from Los Angeles to New York by passenger jet takes just over five hours. Hypersonic flight at Mach 20 fewer than 10 minutes.
• Development Programs Keep DOD's Workforce Strong DoD News 27 Oct 2021 -- The Defense Department's military and civilian workforce have always worked together to successfully defend the nation, said the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.
• Defense Agency's Contracting Strategies Offer Tailored, Flexible Solutions DoD News 27 Oct 2021 -- Acquisition professionals at the Defense Logistics Agency are turning to captains of industry/supplier capabilities contracts, also known as COI/SCC, to offer tailored solutions for customers who need weapons system parts and engineering and support services.
• NATO Secretary General welcomes deepened cooperation with Finland and Sweden NATO 27 Oct 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Finland and Sweden's close partnership with NATO while visiting the Berga Naval Base with the North Atlantic Council, on Wednesday (27 October 2021).
• China, Russia Working Together on Security Threats in Central Asia VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- Eyes in Beijing and Moscow are trained on Central Asia, prompted by the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
• Tajikistan Approves Construction Of New Chinese Base As Beijing's Security Presence In Central Asia Grows RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Oct 2021 -- Tajikistan has approved the construction of a new Chinese base near the country's border with Afghanistan as Tajik officials warn of growing threats emanating from its southern neighbor.
• China's Capabilities Growth Shows Why U.S. Sees Nation as Pacing Challenge DoD News 27 Oct 2021 -- Army Gen. Mark A. Milley pointed to China's recent test of a hypersonic weapon system as an example of why the U.S. military is concerned about Chinese intentions.
• PLA attack, transport helicopters spotted near Taiwan for 1st time, 'provide more tactical options' Global Times 27 Oct 2021 -- Joining fighter jets and special mission aircraft, attack and transport helicopters of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) were spotted near the island of Taiwan in a drill for the first time on Tuesday, with military experts saying on Wednesday that choppers can provide more tactical options in landing operations, and this displayed the increased combat readiness of the PLA in the region.
• Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile, Agni-5, successfully launched from APJ Abdul Kalam Island India PIB 27 Oct 2021 -- A successful launch of the Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile, Agni-5, was carried out on October 27, 2021 at approximately 1950 hrs from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
• India Successfully Test-Fires Its First Nuclear-Capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Agni 5 Sputnik 27 Oct 2021 -- In September, China raised a United Nations Security Council resolution related to the 1998 nuclear blast tests by India and Pakistan to prevent the possible maiden trial of nuclear-capable inter-continental ballistic missile, Agni-5, which can hit targets more than 5,000km away with high precision.
• BEL pays Rs 149.52 crore final dividend to the Government, totalling Rs 498.38 crore for FY 2020-21 India PIB 27 Oct 2021 -- Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has paid a total dividend of 400 per cent on its paid up capital to the Government for Financial Year 2020-21.
• Coral Warrior gets underway in Fiji Australia DOD 27 Oct 2021 -- Despite numerous delays caused by the global pandemic and last year's destructive cyclone season, Coral Warrior 21 officially commenced on October 19 at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in the Fijian capital Suva.
• 2021 U.S.-Turkey F-35 Dispute Resolution Meeting DoD 27 Oct 2021
• Iran Navy 77th fleet ends expedition at high seas IRNA 27 Oct 2021 -- Iranian Navy 77th fleet ending expedition at high seas docked at the southern port of Bandar Abbas on Wednesday.
• The United States and the Republic of Korea Hold a High-Level Disarmament and Nonproliferation Consultation US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2021 -- Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins and ROK Deputy Foreign Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Ham Sang-wook held a High-Level Bilateral Disarmament and Nonproliferation Consultation in Washington D.C. on October 26.
• US to Develop 'Indo-Pacific Economic Framework' VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- The United States plans to "explore with partners the development of an Indo-Pacific economic framework," the White House announced Wednesday, as President Joe Biden reentered East Asian diplomacy by attending a virtual meeting with power players in the East Asia region.
• US State Department Creates Bureau to Tackle Digital Threats VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- The State Department is creating a new Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to focus on tackling cybersecurity challenges at a time of growing threats from opponents. There will also be a new special envoy for critical and emerging technology, who will lead the technology diplomacy agenda with U.S. allies.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken on the Modernization of American Diplomacy US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki The White House 27 Oct 2021
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Ibrahim Kalin, Spokesperson and Chief Advisor to the President of Turkey The White House 27 Oct 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 27, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 27 October 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Oct 2021
• Pentagon Official Raises Doubts About Taliban's Ability To Fight Islamic State In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Oct 2021 -- A senior Pentagon official said it is unclear whether the Taliban has the capability to fight the Islamic State extremist group effectively, even if it is clear that the two groups are "mortal enemies."
• Act swiftly and with determination on Afghanistan, UN chief urges UN News 27 Oct 2021 -- Countries must unite and act urgently to secure stability in Afghanistan, and a better future for its people, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message on Wednesday to a regional conference of the country's neighbours, organized by Iran.
• EU Considers Reopening Mission To Afghanistan, But No Taliban Recognition RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Oct 2021 -- The European Union is considering reopening its diplomatic mission to Afghanistan, but it has no plans of officially recognizing the Taliban administration, an EU spokeswoman told RFE/RL.
• Afghans Accuse The Taliban Of Misappropriating Foreign Aid RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Oct 2021 -- With Afghanistan in the grips of economic collapse and a devastating humanitarian crisis, many Afghans are pinning their hopes on international aid to stave off soaring hunger and poverty.
• Iran says peace in Afghanistan will only stem from inclusive government IRNA 27 Oct 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Wednesday that peace in Afghanistan will only emanate from the inclusive government in the country.
• Iran puts forward concrete proposal to solve Afghanistan crisis IRNA 27 Oct 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian detailed on Wednesday Iran's multi-level proposal to solve the crisis in Afghanistan, including formation of an all-inclusive government, the Taliban's responsibilities regarding security, and the distribution of humanitarian aids in the country.
• Tehran's meeting on Afghanistan should send unified message to int'l community: FM Amir-Abdollahian ISNA 27 Oct 2021 -- Addressing the second meeting of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan's neighboring countries, the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stressed, "Afghanistan's current problems are largely rooted in foreign intervention, and the United States should accept responsibility for the devastations it has caused in Afghanistan over the past two decades".
• Iran Hosts Conference With Afghanistan's Neighbors RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Representatives of the countries bordering Afghanistan have met in Tehran to discuss how to coordinate actions in response to the change in government in the war-torn country.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a ministerial meeting with Afghanistan's neighbouring countries (Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), Tehran, October 27, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Oct 2021
• Russia says will support establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan IRNA 27 Oct 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow favors the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
• UNHCR Welcomes Pakistan Easing Restrictions at Afghan Border Crossings VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- The U.N. refugee agency says it welcomes recent steps by Pakistan to ease restrictions at official border points with neighboring Afghanistan. The agency says this enables smoother movement of goods into troubled Afghanistan, and keep people from turning to human smugglers to cross the border.
• US aircraft carrier in South China Sea as ASEAN, China discuss code of conduct Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2021 -- The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and its strike group have returned to the South China Sea for a joint exercise with a Japanese destroyer as leaders from countries in Southeast Asia hold a virtual meeting to discuss regional issues including a maritime Code of Conduct.
• Urging the Syrian regime to put the Syrian people ahead of its own survival UK FCDO 27 Oct 2021 -- Statement by Sonia Farrey, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Syria.
• Syria: Progress still possible, following 'disappointment' over constitutional talks UN News 27 Oct 2021 -- Although the outcome of the latest meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee was "a disappointment", members must continue their vital work, the UN Special Envoy for the country said in a briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday.
• Peacekeeping chief encouraged by 'warming' relations between Sudan and South Sudan over Abyei UN News 27 Oct 2021 -- The Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations told the Security Council on Wednesday that he was encouraged by a thaw in relations between South Sudan and Sudan, now that both have established national committees on the question of Abyei, the disputed oil-rich border territory claimed by both countries.
• Voluntary Repatriation of Refugees to Central African Republic from DR Congo Restarts VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- The U.N. refugee agency reports it has restarted a voluntary repatriation operation for thousands of refugees from the Central African Republic who were living in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Ukraine Uses Turkish Drone Against Russia-Backed Separatists For First Time RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Ukrainian government forces have used a Turkish-supplied armed drone for the first time against Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, in a development condemned by the Kremlin.
• Abuses by Sahel Security Forces Against Citizens in Burkina Faso Down VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- Once commonplace, abuses by state security forces against civilians in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have dropped sharply in the previous year, according to rights groups.

News Reports

• ASEAN, Australia elevate strategic ties amid South China Sea tensions Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2021 -- Indo-Pacific players Australia and ASEAN agreed to upgrade their ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," the regional bloc's chair said Wednesday, announcing the type of enhanced relationship with the grouping that China has been coveting since last year.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Sudanese FM Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2021
• Military cannot subvert Sudan's democratic transition without consequence UK FCDO 27 Oct 2021 -- Statement by Alice Jacobs, UK Deputy Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
• Sudanese Security Forces Arrest 3 Leading Pro-Democracy Activists VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- Sudanese security forces arrested demonstrators in Khartoum Wednesday, including three leading pro-democracy activists, as the World Bank and the African Union took steps to increase pressure on the leaders of Monday's military coup.
• Q&A: Sudan's Ambassador to US Rejects Military Takeover VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- Despite the military takeover in Sudan on Monday, Nureldin Satti, Sudan's ambassador to the United States, remains in his post and vows to continue working with U.S. officials. In an interview with VOA's Nabeel Biajo, Satti said that he rejects the military moves and is coordinating with Sudanese diplomats around the world to mount pressure on Sudan's military leaders to restore the civilian-led government.
• Russia To Increase Gas Supplies To Europe Starting Next Month RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has told state-controlled energy giant Gazprom to start pumping natural gas into European gas storage facilities once Russia finishes filling its own stocks, which could happen by November 8.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea Chung Eui-yong following their talks, Moscow, October 27, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Oct 2021
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on October 27, 2021 PRC MofA 27 Oct 2021
• HK passes bill to junk movies harmful to natl security Global Times 27 Oct 2021 -- The Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passed a bill that would allow authorities to pull off movies from the screens that run counter to or harm national security. Experts saw the move as a necessary step to ensure the room for creativity in the film industry and maintain social order.
• Hong Kong bans movies deemed 'subversive' or 'romanticizing' protests Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2021 -- Authorities in Hong Kong are cracking down further on public dissent, requiring film censors to consider whether a film breaches a draconian national security law banning criticism of the government or depictions of scenes deemed 'subversive.'
• Huawei, Offshore Deals, And The Pandora Papers: 'How A Large Chinese Company Operates In Serbia' RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Against the backdrop of Beijing's efforts to build influence in Serbia, the Chinese technology giant Huawei signed secret deals with people close to the country's state-owned telecommunications company to allegedly win contracts, leaked documents show.
• Chinese Telecommunications Firm Loses Authority to Operate in US VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has revoked permission for China Telecom a Chinese state-owned telecommunications company, to operate in the United States, citing national security concerns.
• China's Xi looks to allies at UN as global support grows for Taiwan Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2021 -- Ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping has called for reform at the United Nations amid signs that Washington is increasingly keen to stand up for democratic Taiwan, which lost its place in the U.N. on Oct. 25, 1971, to be replaced by the People's Republic of China.
• Taipei thanks Blinken for backing Taiwan's participation in U.N. CNA 27 Oct 2021 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Tuesday thanked United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken for voicing support for Taiwan's participation in the United Nations system.
• US risks jeopardizing improving ties with China with Blinken's Taiwan remarks Global Times 27 Oct 2021 -- The US is burying the possibility of easing China-US tensions and even escalating tensions due to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's remarks on support for the island of Taiwan's involvement in the UN. Although the US attempt will fail eventually, China still needs to take tougher action, especially military ones, to further warn the US about how dangerous it could be if it continues to challenge China's bottom-line on the Taiwan question, experts said.
• Some people from Czech Republic will suffer consequences if they don't change: Chinese FM said on Taiwan DPP official's visit Global Times 27 Oct 2021 -- China will make legitimate and necessary response to Czech Republic's invitation of Taiwan's leader of external affairs for a visit, and urges them to make changes otherwise they will suffer the consequences, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• 'Quasi-war-like situation' claims made by Taiwan authorities only reveal hypocrisy of the DPP in creating confrontation across Straits Global Times 27 Oct 2021 -- Is there a "quasi-war-like situation" in the Taiwan Straits as Taiwan authorities claimed? The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council responded on Wednesday that the claim only reveals hypocrisy of the DPP in creating confrontation across the Straits.
• Chinese Embassy in US refutes US' support for Taiwan's involvement in UN Global Times 27 Oct 2021 -- China resolutely refutes US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's remarks calling on support for the island of Taiwan's involvement in the United Nations (UN), spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the US said on Wednesday, pointing out that the question is not one of values, but one of politics, and that the US' support for Taiwan secessionists in "seeking international space" is the biggest threat to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.
• Future of Taiwan lies in China's complete reunification: spokesperson People's Daily 27 Oct 2021 -- It is an ironclad fact that the future of Taiwan lies in the complete reunification of China, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.
• FM spokesperson slams DPP official's overseas visit for touting "Taiwan independence" People's Daily 27 Oct 2021 -- A foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday lashed out at the visit to Europe by Joseph Wu, an official with Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority, saying that any attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" by brownnosing foreign forces is doomed to fail.
• Enlarged Plenary Meeting of Cabinet Held KCNA 27 Oct 2021 -- The enlarged plenary meeting of the Cabinet took place through video teleconferencing on Oct. 26.
• North Koreans drafted to harvest rice are strip searched to stop grain theft Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2021 -- North Koreans mobilized to bring in this year's rice harvest in the absence of machinery and fuel are chafing at body searches conducted by officials to look for hidden grain, sources in the country told RFA.
• Iran to start negotiations before end of November: Deputy FM IRNA 27 Oct 2021 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani said on Wednesday that "we agree to start negotiations before the end of November".
• Iran Says It's Ready To Resume Nuclear Talks Next Month RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Iran has agreed to resume talks next month with world powers aimed at reviving the moribund 2015 nuclear deal, its top nuclear negotiator said following talks in Brussels.
• Iran Agrees to Resume Nuclear Talks VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- Iran said Wednesday it would resume talks with world powers about its nuclear development program by the end of November.
• Iran rejects claims by UN special rapporteur as biased, worthless IRNA 27 Oct 2021 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh on Wednesday rejected claims in a recent report by Javaid Rehman, the UN Special Rapporteur, on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran as biased and worthless.
• Iranian President emphasizes need to anticipate, prevent, equip against cyberattacks ISNA 27 Oct 2021 -- Emphasizing the need to anticipate, prevent and equip against cyberattacks, Iranian President said, "Some want to make people angry by creating disorder and disruption in their lives."
• New UN Myanmar envoy prompts hope for breakthrough Radio Free Asia 27 Oct 2021 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Nolin Hezar as the new Special Envoy to Myanmar, and observers expressed optimism Wednesday that the Southeast Asian native's fresh perspective could lead to a breakthrough in the country's nine-month political crisis.
• Military Crackdown Reported in Myanmar's Chin State VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- Myanmar's military, the Tatmadaw, is cracking down on militia groups in the country's western Chin state, bordering India and Bangladesh, especially Christians, according to ethnic armed groups, religious and community leaders and local residents.
• Rights Watchdog Slams Belarus's Politically Motivated Crackdown On Lawyers RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has denounced the "arbitrary" suspension and disbarment of more than two dozen Belarusian lawyers amid an ongoing crackdown on civil society following last year's disputed presidential election, saying the measures targeted lawyers who had publicly spoken out about human rights violations and defended clients in politically motivated cases.
• 'It's Getting Difficult To Survive': Uproar In Pakistan Over Soaring Inflation RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Oct 2021 -- Saeed Khan works two jobs: teaching at a private school and driving passengers on a rickshaw. Even then, the father of five is struggling to make ends meet.
• Deadly Violence Erupts As Banned Pakistani Islamist Group Renews March RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Oct 2021 -- Three Pakistani police officers were killed and 70 others wounded by gunfire during clashes with activists of a banned Islamist party, the interior minister said.
• France sets ultimatum, prepares sanctions for UK in fishing rights dispute Press TV 27 Oct 2021 -- France has threatened to retaliate in the wake of Britain's refusal to offer more permits for French fishermen working in British inshore waters.
• Ukraine Launches Terror-Financing Probe Into Bank Loan After RFE/RL Report RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Ukrainian prosecutors have opened a terrorism financing investigation after it emerged that the country's state-owned export-import bank lent tens of millions of dollars to companies owned by a businessman with interests in parts of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists.
• Always Polarizing, Now Hunger-Striking, Saakashvili Has Sparked A Georgian Feud Over How Best To Keep Him Alive RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- As Mikheil Saakashvili's hunger strike in a Georgian prison nears the one-month mark, authorities in the Black Sea nation are flummoxed by what to do with the stubbornly defiant ex-president as his health deteriorates.
• Kyrgyz President Japarov's Remarks On Exchanging Territory With Tajikistan Increases Tensions RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov surprised many at a recent press conference in Bishkek by proposing a land swap with Tajikistan to help resolve a long-standing border dispute.
• Kosovo Slaps Sanctions On People, Company Tied To Hizballah RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- Kosovo has sanctioned seven individuals and a company for their links to Lebanon's Shi'ite militant movement Hizballah.
• EU To Give Moldova 60 Million Euros To Handle Energy Crisis RFE/RL 27 Oct 2021 -- The European Union says it will provide Moldova with 60 million euros ($70 million) to help the country manage its natural gas crisis triggered by Chisinau's failure to agree on a new energy deal with traditional supplier Russia.
• Zimbabweans Divided Over Western Sanctions VOA 27 Oct 2021 -- Pro-government Zimbabweans say sanctions imposed in 2003 and earlier by some Western nations, including the United States, because of election rigging and human rights abuses, are derailing the country economy's recovery. The sanctions are a divisive issue among Zimbabweans. The U.N. Special Rapporteur has been assessing the impact of sanctions.